Celtics name Mike Taylor head coach of the Maine Red Claws

BOSTON — Mike Taylor has been named head coach of the Maine Red Claws, the Boston Celtics announced Friday.

Taylor joins the Celtics’ NBA Development League team in Portland after previously working as the top assistant coach for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA D-League. As an assistant with the Vipers, Taylor was responsible for developing game plans, scouting, practice plans and player development.

Taylor also has international experience as an assistant coach for the Czech Republic National Team during the summers of 2010-12. Taylor also was the head coach for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany from 2003-11. In his 10 seasons in Europe between teams in Germany and England, Taylor amassed a record of 188-115.

“Mike impressed us with not only his coaching experience, but his enthusiasm and ability to develop young players,” Austin Ainge, Boston Celtics’ director of player personnel said. “He brings a blend of international and NBA D-League experience that will benefit the Celtics’ players assigned to Maine and the entire Red Claws’ roster.”

The coming season will be the fourth that the Celtics have used the Maine Red Claws as their NBA D-League affiliate and the first under the new hybrid affiliation. Under the new agreement, Boston will be Maine’s sole NBA affiliate and will have full control over the team’s basketball operations.

The Red Claws will tip off their season on Nov. 23 with two games on the road before returning to Maine for their home opener on Nov. 30 vs. the Los Angeles D-Fenders, the Lakers’ affiliate.